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McDermott calls swearing in celebration for a County that values diversity

December 6, 2010

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The Metropolitan King County Council today welcomed its first-ever openly gay Councilmember with the swearing in of Joe McDermott.

“Today confirms King County believes in representative democracy and values diversity,” McDermott said. “I am honored that the voters have placed their trust in me and grateful for the LGBTQ community’s support throughout my career.”

Today’s ceremonial oath of office was administered by Judge Greg Canova. McDermott officially took office on November 24, the day the November general election was certified.

McDermott served in both the Washington State House and Senate prior to running for the position left vacant when former Councilmember Dow Constantine was elected King County Executive.

While serving in the Legislature, McDermott, a passionate advocate for civil rights, led the successful efforts to add “transgendered” to Washington’s hate crimes statute. He also championed legislation that created Washington’s domestic partnership law – granting all the state rights and responsibilities associated with marriage to domestic partners.

Across the nation, a record-breaking 106 openly LGBT candidates were elected this year.